When this era begins, society is moving from tribalism toward feudalism which
takes permanent hold by the 8th century. In a feudal society, the masses
provide service in exchange for land, protection, and justice from the
nobility. Feudalism declines in the period between 1150 and 1500, and
the administration of justice falls into the hands of kings, whose royal
power is growing. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, we see the development
of a trial and grand jury system, along with the origins of criminal procedure
regarding fact-finding and evaluation of guilt or innocence. The first
jails appear during this time, although they are holding areas, not punishment.
With the rise of commerce and shifts to urban living, property crimes
and interpersonal violence become increasingly prevalent.